DID YOU READ

John Carpenter explains why his “Asylum” comic book is an “irresistible” project

When it comes to the Halloween season, there are few directors whose films get more mileage than John Carpenter.

So, how is the filmmaker responsible for horror classics like “Halloween,” “Christine,” and “The Thing” celebrating the holiday this year? By attending this weekend’s Long Beach Comic and Horror Con and showing off his latest tale of terror, apparently.

IFC caught up with the director ahead of his appearance at this weekend’s show to get more info on John Carpenter’s Asylum, the upcoming comic book series he helped create with his wife, Sandy King, and actor Thomas Ian Griffith. (You can check out a teaser for the book at digital publishing site Graphicly.)

“It’s essentially a horror comic about a conflict that involves the most powerful evil of all, and a plan to open a portal in Los Angeles that would be the beginning of the end for mankind,” said Carpenter of the series. “The stakes are big, but I love shit like that. I’ve loved that type of stuff since I was a kid. It’s irresistible to me.”

Announced earlier this year, Asylum will be scripted by veteran comics writer Bruce Jones, with interior art by Jason Craig. Carpenter will be in attendance at Long Beach Comic and Horror Con this Saturday (October 29) to sign a special preview issue of the book alongside King and Griffith.

And even though the book is making its debut at a comic convention, Carpenter warns that the project isn’t your typical capes-and-tights story.

“The characters are conflicted. They’re certainly not superheroes,” he explained.

Carpenter also made it clear that this isn’t just some project he lends his name to, either. While he’s well aware that the comics industry is relatively new ground for him, he’s confident that he’s learning from some of the best — and enjoying the fact that he’s a student of the medium.

“I’m definitely involved in this, but I’ve never ever done [a comic] before, and I’m not writing the script,” he told IFC. “Bruce Jones is writing the script, because he’s a comic book writer. I’m learning a lot about it, though. Some of the techniques are similar to screenwriting, but some of them aren’t — some of them are very new to me. But I’m following it from script to finished page.”

“I’m kind of being carried through this,” he continued. “And I’m putting that in the best possible terms. My wife is acting as the editor of this comic book, and I’m still learning. I know about directing, but I don’t know anything about comics. I’m kind of a babe in the woods here.”

However, Carpenter considers this foray into the comics world a return to a medium he grew up with, and one that helped shape his future career.

“Of course I read comics,” he laughed. “I read the first issue of MAD Magazine ever. I was a big fan of EC Comics, maybe more so than any other comics. I loved those things. I went through the Marvel period and their coming of age and growth, too. I stopped for a while, but I appreciate Sin City and a lot of the new comics, like The Dark Knight and such. I’ve been a comic fan since before you were born.”

So, why is he only getting into the comics scene now? The time was just right, the filmmaker explained, and there’s nothing more to it.

“It just seemed like a good time,” he said, simply. “I know that the world of comic books is changing a great deal. I know that a lot of the comic book stores have been closing, and these are hard times, but there have been hard times in the past, too.”

In fact, in speaking about the project, Carpenter’s enthusiasm seemed to call back to those aforementioned younger days reading EC Comics.

“What can I say?” he laughed. “There’s just a lot of great shit that goes on in this book and I’m really excited about it!”

Carpenter and his Asylum co-creators will be signing preview copies of the book this Saturday (October 29) at the Storm King Productions booth (#913) inside Long Beach Comic and Horror Con. You can find out more information about his appearance at LBCC at the show’s official website: www.longbeachcomiccon.com.

What do you think of Carpenter’s take on comics and “Asylum” plans? Chime in below or on Facebook or Twitter.

The Best Of The Last

The end is near. In mere days Portlandia wraps up its final season, and oh what a season it’s been. Lucky for you, you can watch the entire season right now right here and on the IFC app, including this free episode courtesy of Subaru.

But now, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the new classics Fred and Carrie have so thoughtfully bestowed upon us. (We’ll be looking back through tear-blurred eyes, but you do you.)

Couples Dinner

It’s not that being single sucks, it’s that you suck if you’re single.

Cancel it!

A sketch for anyone who has cancelled more appointments than they’ve kept. Which is everyone.

Forgotten America

This one’s a “Serial” killer…everything both right and wrong about true crime podcasts.

Wedding Planners

The only bad wedding is a boring wedding.

Disaster Hut

It’s only the end of the world if your doomsday kit doesn’t include rosé.

Your Portlandia Personality Test

Carrie and Fred understand that although we have so much in common, we’re each so beautifully unique and different. To help us navigate those differences, Portlandia has found an easy and honest way to embrace our special selves in the form of a progressive new traffic system: a specific lane for every kind of driver. It’s all in honor of the show’s 8th and final season, and it’s all presented by Subaru.

Ready to find out who you really are? Match your personality to a lane and hop on the expressway to self-understanding.

Lane 10: Trucks Piled With Junk

Your junk is falling out of your trunk. Shake a tail light, people — this lane is for you.

Lane 33: Twins

You’re like a Gemini, but waaaay more pedestrian. Maybe you and a friend just wear the same outfits a lot. Who cares, it’s just twinning enough to make you feel special.

Lane 27: Broken Windows

Bad luck follows you around and everyone knows it. Your proverbial seat is always damp from proverbial rain. Is this the universe telling you to swallow your pride? Yes.

Lane 69: Filthy Cars

You’re all about convenience. Getting your car washed while you drive is a no-brainer.

Lane 43: Newly Divorced Singles

It’s been a while since you’ve driven alone, and you don’t know the rules of the road anymore. What’s too fast? What’s too slow? Are you sending the right signals? Don’t worry, the breakdown lane is nearby if you need it.

Still can’t find a lane to match your personality? Check out all the videos here. And see the final season of Portlandia this spring on IFC.

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the final countdown to Christmas and thanks to IFC’s movie marathon all Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can revel in classic ’80s films AND find inspiration for your last-minute gifts. Here are our recommendations, if you need a head start:

Musical Instrument

Great analog entertainment substitute when you refuse to give your kid the Nintendo Switch they’ve been drooling over.

Breakfast In Bed

Any significant other or child would appreciate these Uncle Buck-approved flapjacks. Just make sure you’re not stuck on clean up duty.

Cocktail Supplies

You’ll need them to get through the holidays.

Dance Lessons

So you can learn to shake-shake-shake (unless you know ghosts willing to lend a hand).

Comfy Clothes

With all the holiday meals, there may be some…embigenning.

Get even more great inspiration all Christmas Eve and Day on IFC, and remember…